Speeches

Last September, I had the opportunity to speak at the National HBCU conference in Washington, DC, at which many of you were present. I shared with you my conviction that HBCUs must not merely survive but thrive. Today, I want to update you on what we and HBCUs, working together, have accomplished since last falland speak to the challenges that remain.

Thank you, President Moore, for that generous introduction and for this honorary degree, which I will treasure. I feel so honored to share the stage today with distinguished artists and great leaders like Vicki Kennedy, Professor Chinua Achebe, and Roz Chast.

Thank you, Chancellor Martin. It's a great pleasure and honor to be here today at the Kohl Center. But I admit to speaking with some trepidation. The truth is that the Badger Herald has set a high bar for my address.

Thank you for that gracious introduction President DeGioia—and thanks to Parenting magazine for sponsoring not only this special event but for honoring the critical importance of parental involvement in our nation's schools.